The classic movie disc.
DVD carries a standard-definition picture and stereo or surround sound, depending on the film. It is widely supported by DVD, Blu-ray and many 4K players. Some DVD players also play audio CDs. Check the manual for CD support.
A practical guide to home video formats
Movie night, with great sound.
DVD, Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray bring a film collection to life at home. Their players often do more than play films. Many also handle audio CDs and connect to an amplifier or surround receiver. Here is how the formats differ, and where VHS still fits.
A quick guide to three generations
From DVD to 4K, what changes?
Each format has a different picture standard and player compatibility. A newer player often supports older discs, but older players do not play newer formats.
More detail on screen.
Standard Blu-ray can deliver a Full HD picture and higher-capacity soundtracks. Blu-ray players commonly play DVDs and audio CDs too, but check their supported-disc list. A standard Blu-ray player cannot play 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs.
The highest disc picture.
Ultra HD Blu-ray can carry 4K video and HDR. To see that benefit, you need a UHD Blu-ray player and a compatible 4K HDR TV. Connect the player directly to the TV, or through a receiver that supports the required HDMI features. A player marked “4K upscaling” is not automatically a UHD disc player.
A receiver for film and music
One system, several sources.
The AVR 230 in this photo has CD and tape connections for music, plus inputs for video sources. It can power surround speakers for films or play music through the main stereo speakers. Its manual shows the exact connections and listening modes.
A turntable can join the system too, but this receiver does not have a dedicated PHONO input. Use a separate phono preamp, or a turntable with a built-in preamp. A cassette deck connects to the receiver's tape or line input.
A familiar disc player, with more to offer
Movies and CDs in one component.
A Blu-ray player can be a convenient source for films and audio CDs. Connect it to a TV for movies, or route its sound through a receiver to your speakers.
This Toshiba is a standard Blu-ray example, not a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Disc support varies by model, so check the manual before buying.
The hub behind the screen
Follow the connections.
A surround receiver can bring a television, disc player and music sources together, then send sound to the speakers. The rear panel shows why it is useful to check both the input labels and the supported formats before connecting equipment.
A practical second-hand find
Check it before you take it home.
Used shops can turn up DVD and Blu-ray players at modest prices. Ask the seller to power it on. Check the tray and remote, then test a disc if possible. Confirm support for the formats you own, including audio CDs if you plan to use it for music.
A personal example, video and music together
A home cinema receiver can be part of a music system too.
This setup brings a Harman Kardon surround receiver, DVD player, turntable and full-size speakers into one room. A DVD or Blu-ray player can handle films and CDs, while the receiver can connect other sources such as a turntable or cassette deck. Exact inputs vary by model. Check the manual, and use a phono preamp if the receiver has no PHONO input.
Ready to bring music into the same setup?
Build a system for the whole room.
Learn how CD players, turntables, cassette decks, MiniDisc decks, streamers, amplifiers and speakers work together.